Gale Dick

Gale Dick (1926–2014) moved to Utah in 1959 to join the Physics Department at the University of Utah, where he remained as a faculty member and administrator until his retirement in 1998. During his tenure, he taught more than 20 different courses at all levels, from freshman to advanced graduate students, across the Physics Department, the Honors Program, and the Liberal Education Program. He was one of the originators of the highly successful “Super ITW” course, which explored the intellectual and scientific history of the past 2,500 years over five quarters.

Dick conducted research in condensed matter theory, held grants from the National Science Foundation totaling more than half a million dollars over 20 years, and supervised numerous Ph.D. and Master’s degree students. He authored approximately 50 scientific papers and was recognized as a Fellow of the American Physical Society.

Throughout his career, Dick served on nearly every University committee, held a term as Chair of the Physics Department, and spent six years as Dean of the Graduate School. His dedication to teaching earned him numerous honors, including:

  • Frederick William Reynolds Lecturer, University of Utah (1969)

  • Outstanding Physics Teaching Award (1970)

  • University of Utah Distinguished Teaching Award (1974)

  • Fulbright Travel Grant, Germany (1967)

  • University of Utah University Professor (jointly with Barbara N. Lindsay, 1979–80)

  • Honors Distinguished Professor of the Year (1979)

  • Semester at Sea faculty member (1983, 1986)

  • Presidential Teaching Scholar (1997)

In addition to his academic achievements, Dick was deeply involved in environmental advocacy. He co-founded the Citizens’ Committee to Save Our Canyons, an organization that remains active to this day. He also served on the Alta Planning and Zoning Commission and the Salt Lake City Winter Games Organizing Committee. His contributions were recognized with awards such as the Pa Perry Award (1990), the Alexis Kelner Award (2000), the Pfeifferhorn Award (2005), and the Utah Nonprofit Association’s Norma Matheson Outstanding Volunteer Award (2006).

As a passionate amateur musician, Dick played violin in various chamber music groups and co-founded the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City. He was also an avid outdoorsman, having skied, hiked, climbed mountains, run rivers, backpacked, and camped extensively throughout Utah.

Gale Dick’s legacy as a dedicated educator, environmental advocate, and community leader continues to inspire. His impact on Utah’s academic, cultural, and natural landscapes remains profound and enduring.